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By Peter AdamuThere was commotion in Solwezi town on Christmas Day when people's celebrations suffered a major setback with several residents not having money after almost all Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) ran out of cash.
The incident which started around 14:00hrs saw several residents panicking after some banks started running out of cash.
First National Bank (FNB) was first to run out of money leaving people in shock with only those with VISA ATM's managing to withdraw from other networks which also did not last but faced the same challenge.
"What I have is a Copper Account and My ATM is not a Visa so I don't even know what I am going to do because I need money for my Christmas celebrations," one resident said.
"Those with VISA accounts have no problems they are withdrawing from other Banks."
But around 16 hours the situation had extended to other banks leaving the residents in desperate situations.
"These people from Lumwana Kalumbila and Kansanshi are behind this, because they are withdrawing money in bulk leaving us with no money," another resident complained.
"These banks also need to be serious, knowing that its Christmas today they should have put enough money in the ATM Machines to help the people."
But there was hope at one of the Banks when an individual phoned a friend from the informing them of the situation.
"My friend has told me that they will be coming to load some money in the machines soon so let's just wait," one man said.
At this point queues started forming up till the money was loaded and people had to withdraw money for their Christmas celebrations.
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